POLICE have issued a warning to all those who know kind-hearted young people in the Leigh area.

They are being cautioned that unless they act now, the town's youngsters could be in serious danger - of missing out on a top award.

Mayor Bernard Coyle has backed the call for the town to join in the Greater Manchester Police Young Citizen of the Year Award 1996.

Saids Cllr Coyle: "This is an excellent idea and I hope there will be many entries from the Wigan area. Young people are all too often criticised and yet over the years this competition has shown that there are many unsung heroes."

The Young Citizen of the Year will be chosen from 10 finalists from around the Greater Manchester area.

Prizes include a family holiday in the Mediterranean donated by Sunset Holidays , the chance to present a cheque for £1,500 to a charity of the winner's choice donated by Warner Lambert Confectionery, plus a VIP day out at a top football club.

Each of the 10 finalists will be able to enjoy a day out at a theme park and will also hand over a cheque for £100 to a charity of their choosing.

Nominations must be for an individual or a group of not more than three between 11 and under 17 years who have shown a commitment to helping members of their family or others in the community.

Nominations can only be accepted from people over 18.

The current winner was chosen for his dedication to others. He was involved with a local youth club, spoke about drug and solvent abuse at school and clubs and is editor of his school magazine.

Nominations close on July 12 and the 10 finalists will be announced early in August.

Further information and nomination forms can be obtained from PC Andy Massey of the Community Relations Office, Greater Manchester Police, PO Box 22, Chester House, Boyer Street, Manchester M16 0RE. Telephone 0161 856 8888 or call in at the local police station to pick up a nomination form.

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